LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) leader and federal minister Saad Rafique on Friday said the clash in Gujranwala occurred after PTI activists threw stones at and tore posters of Nawaz Sharif.

Our activists merely reacted in a similar manner but thankfully police came and controlled the situation.

Speaking to DawnNews via telephone, Rafique said the chief minister has ordered the IG to double Imran’s security.

Responding to a question, he said PML-N workers are haven’t lost their minds that they would pelt stones at PTI activists without being provoked.

“We gave them passage and security…why would we want to attack them,” the minister said.

The PML-N leader said that PTI leaders should convince their workers not to tear flags of other parties.

We have now told our workers to stay away from the areas so that they don’t have to experience provocation on behalf of PTI workers.

The clash was a local problem but PTI blew it out of proportion.

Opinion

Editorial

Iran stalemate
Updated 02 May, 2026

Iran stalemate

THE US and Iran are currently somewhere between war and peace. While a tenuous ceasefire — extended largely due to...
Tax shortfall
02 May, 2026

Tax shortfall

THE Rs684bn shortfall in tax collection during the first 10 months of the fiscal year is a continuation of a...
Teaching inclusion
02 May, 2026

Teaching inclusion

DISCRIMINATORY and exclusionary content in Punjab’s textbooks has been flagged in Inclusive Education for a United...
Water vision
01 May, 2026

Water vision

WATER insecurity in Pakistan has been building up for decades as per capita water availability has declined from...
Vaccine policy
01 May, 2026

Vaccine policy

PAKISTAN has finally approved its first National Vaccine Policy; a step the health ministry has rightly described as...
Labour rights
Updated 01 May, 2026

Labour rights

THE annual observance of May Day should move beyond statements about the state’s commitment to the rights of...